Democrats take control of Coventry Town Council
Nov. 3—COVENTRY — Democrats were the big winners in Coventry's Town Council race Election Day, with all five Democratic candidates earning a seat on the Council.
The new Town Council will consist of Democratic incumbents Lisa D. Thomas and Jonathan B. Hand, as well as newcomers Matthew Kyer, Robyn Elise Gallagher, and Marty Milkovic. As for Republicans, incumbent Julie Blanchard and newcomer John French also won Tuesday night.
This outcome followed a 44% turnout from voters, a significantly large number for a municipal election.
"The will of the voters in Coventry has been heard. There is a clear mandate of the direction the town wants to go, and that mandate aligns with Democratic values," Hand said.
He added, "I'm elated to start work and actually get some work done in this town."
"Coventry is going to move into a more respectful place where we listen to people, and where we represent all of our constituents," said Thomas. She said she believes the big Democratic win is a result of the town losing faith in Republicans.
"For four years the Republicans behaved in a way that disrespected the community, and people have had enough," adding that they focused too much on national issues and not on issues specific to Coventry.
"I thought I worked as hard as I could and it paid off," said Milkovic, who said he knocked on hundreds of doors during his campaign.
"It's great that the voters of Coventry had enough faith in us that they elected all five of us," he said.
"I'm proud to know that the citizens of Coventry have rejected negativity and embraced positivity," said Kyer.
"I am very hopeful for the future of Coventry. I think the town chose kindness," said Gallagher.
Republican incumbents Matthew O'Brien Sr. and Republican Town Chairman Matthew O'Brien Jr. were defeated Tuesday night, with Republican candidates French and Blanchard taking more than 100 votes each from both the father and his son.
The winners of Tuesday's election will now focus on the goals they set out to achieve. For many, this means ensuring the town is fiscally responsible and making more spending decisions for the long-term.
The new council will also have to figure out how to spend the remaining federal pandemic relief funds, which have already been used for emergency responders, to purchase a new ambulance, and replace the HVAC system in Town Hall.
It will also be up to the new council to determine what their relationship with the Board of Education will be, and how much to invest in education.
In addition, the new council will have to find a way to deal with increasing waste and recycling costs in town.
Finding replacements for Police Chief Mark Palmer and Town Manager John Elsesser will also be a task, as Palmer retired last month and Elsesser plans to retire in 2023.
Ben covers Coventry and Tolland for the Journal Inquirer.
